- New Jersey colleges will run regular sessions to help students understand gambling.
- The Council on Compulsive Gambling will show students the risks, signs of problems, and ways to get help.
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey lawmakers have approved new legislation designed to bring gambling awareness directly to college campuses as sports betting continues to expand across the state.
Every public college and university must hold gambling education classes at least once a semester, according to the bill A 1715. On December 18, the bill was fully approved by the Senate after passing the Assembly 77–0.
Public colleges would have to bring the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) on campus to conduct the education sessions when the bill goes into force. The talks would center on how gambling, especially New Jersey sports betting, can become a major problem, how students can see symptoms of compulsive behavior, and what to do if they require assistance.
There would also be information about available problem gambling treatment choices and self-exclusion programs.
Additionally, schools would be in charge of advertising the sessions and ensuring that children could easily access resources relating to gambling. This involves giving out materials to students personally and publishing information on college websites.
The legislation was shaped in large part, according to lawmakers, by the quick expansion of legal sports betting. Officials fear that since betting is now widely accessible through mobile apps, college-age adults are more likely to be exposed to gambling, especially during major athletic events.
All NJ Colleges To See Changes
The bill was initially written to apply only to schools with sportsbook sponsorships tied to athletic programs. That approach changed after the state passed a separate law in July 2025 banning colleges from entering partnerships with betting operators, prompting lawmakers to expand the education requirement to all public institutions.
Colleges will start scheduling sessions as early as the following semester. Supporters claim that early education is still a crucial step in reducing the harm caused by sports betting among children, even though the measure does not include more funds for the organization.
